So I know this is really late, but I wanted to give a quick summary of my time in Australia this summer too. It was in two parts - 5 days before our Vietnam trip and then 9 days after, before we (Kim and I) departed back to the US - most of our time was spent with our friends who we met while studying at the University of Wollongong in 2006. Pretty much all of them are still in school or still living in Wollongong, which is about 50 miles south of Sydney along the Eastern coast of Australia.
The highlights of the trip include.... A nice morning swim at North Beach (even though it was the middle of winter). Going to North Gong for the last TOSS (aka Friday Happy Hour) and seeing fellow Tar Heel Liz Lancaster there! Watching Jonno, Jeremy, Westy, Nixon, Rob and Jimmy play AFL (Aussie Rules Football) on the weekends. Driving down to the capital city of Canberra to surprise our friend Kenny & visit the Parliament House (We actually got to see a big argument between members of the house and Rudd, the Prime Minister). Jonno being such a nice host the whole time and making us crepes for breakfast too - yum! Going for a few runs on my favorite route - through the park, along the beach and finishing at the lighthouse near the point -- amazing views all around.
Kim and I riding the train south to the small town of Kiama for the day to see the blowhole on the coast, walk around the beach and the town, and enjoy reading and tea in a local coffeehouse. On day 1 of a 2 day trip to Sydney - we saw the Opera House, the Harbour Bridge, the Botanical Gardens, Bondi Beach (aka the Miami Beach of Australia), ate gelato and read in the park, and ate at the fancy Iceberg's at Bondi with Belle. Day 2 - we bought day tripper tickets to ride the ferries all day, so we go to see Manly Beach and Bondi Beach again, take the Coastal Walking trail for about 3 miles past many beaches all the way to Bronte Beach. Watching the sunset over Darling Harbour. Eating Italian with native Aussie Eliza, who had studied abroad at UNC, then catching the late train back to Wollongong to spend the night with one of my favorite Aussies, Naomi.
On our last full day before departing back to the US - we had what I would call the perfect day: Kim and I caught up some more with Naomi, walked over to the Univ. of Wollongong campus to walk around, repacked our massive backpacks for the last time, then met Mel for dinner since we had not been able to make it to her 21st birthday party the week before. After dinner, we went back to the boy's house to watch the big rugby match between New South Wales and Queensland, then went to our favorite bar/dance club, called Glasshouse, to enjoy some dancing with our friends. After a fun last night, we all got snacks and sat around laughing and reminiscing until 3 or 4am - a great end to our oh-so-short trip. The next day we flew out after reorganizing around our canceled flight to L.A. and got back to Atlanta via San Francisco around 9pm on July 3rd.
And of course there were many funny moments throughout the Australia part of the trip -- I will just highlight a few. Every single flight being either delayed, cancelled, or having mechanical difficulties. Me almost getting caught in the train doors on the way to Wollongong. Kim freaking out about every little bit of turbulence on our flights. Kim: "Wait, what's a shout?" Being cheap & buying all our food at Wooly's grocery (PB, Tim Tams and Shapes of course!). Kenny's driving directions: turn at the set of lights, I'll be standing nearby on the corner - what?! Rolling down the hill outside the Parliament House (this is equivalent to the National Lawn in Washington DC). Playing the "Emotions Game". While behind the wheel of an Aussie car for the first time, I happen to drive upon a huge protest and have to guess the back way out of downtown Canberra - just one wrong turn isn't that bad :) Taking "the long way" on our walk to Darling Harbour in Sydney. ringing the bell to the wrong set of apartments on the way to Naomi's place. Getting lost on my run to Campus East dorms to pick up things from Belle's apartment. Dancing like crazy on the dance floor with our friends at Glasshouse.
I miss that little town so much already -- though it was a really short trip, it was worth it to see all of my friends again before they all graduate like me :o)
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